Substantially Direct Approach Or Recession (e.g., Stretching) Patents (Class 72/302)
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Patent number: 11872617Abstract: A method for manufacturing annular sectors of an air intake lip includes arranging a revolution-shaped blank facing a three-dimensional forming surface of a die of a hydroforming tool, the three-dimensional surface including at least two plunging cavities spaced from each other along a circumferential direction, forming an air intake lip preform in one piece by hydroforming the revolution-shaped blank on the three-dimensional surface of the die, the air intake lip preform having in section a U-shape and including a plurality of crenellated portions each delimited by a plunging cavity, the production of a plurality of cutouts in the air intake lip preform so as to divide the preform into a plurality of annular sectors, each cutout including the removal of a sacrificial portion at the level of a crenellated portion so as to form two adjacent assembly edges with one of the two adjacent assembly edges including a plunging.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: SAFRAN NACELLESInventors: Fabienne Quenu, Vincent Dutot, Bertrand Pierre Martin Leroyer, François Taillard
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Patent number: 11517953Abstract: A NC machine for stretch bending and monitoring method for clamping force of round clamp thereof is invented, which includes a round head clamp, a hydraulic system and a clamping force monitoring device. The round head clamp includes a housing, an internal module arranged in the housing and a positioning member for positioning the internal module in the housing. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic rod and a hydraulic ram for pushing the hydraulic rod. The clamping force monitoring device includes a sensor and a data processing module. The present invention is suitable for the workpiece of different shapes and sizes. In this invention, the clamping force can be adjusted in real time when it needs to be changed, and this not only can avoid the problems of excessive energy consumption, excessive clamping marks and damage of the workpiece, but also save energy and protect the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: HEFEI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Lihua Zhou, Zhenxin Cao
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Patent number: 11497944Abstract: A door breach device can include: an elongate shaft having a first end and an opposite second end; a pivot mechanism at the first end of the shaft; a spearhead rotatably coupled with the pivot mechanism and having a tip on a tip-side of the pivot mechanism and having a shaft cavity on a shaft-side, where the shaft cavity is adapted to receive the shaft therein; a restraint slidably received on the shaft-side of the spearhead and on the shaft; a handle protruding from the shaft; and a hitch at the second end of the shaft. A method of breaching a door can include: forcing the spearhead through a door until the restraint releases the spearhead and the spearhead rotates by the pivot mechanism so as to form an angle with the shaft; and pulling the spearhead against the door until the door is breached.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: CFD Research CorporationInventors: Zachary William Wright, William Christopher Krolick, Wyatt Gilbert Ramos
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Patent number: 10792724Abstract: A coiled material transporting device is disposed between a coiled material supply device supplying a coiled material, and a press device pressing the coiled material supplied from the coiled material supply device. The coiled material supply device includes a support, a first driver, and a transporter. The support is extendable and retractable along a direction of a die disposed in the press device. The support is configured to support from below a terminal end of the coiled material supplied from the coiled material supply device. The first driver is configured to cause the support to extend and retract. The transporter is provided to the support and is configured to transport the terminal end of the coiled material toward the die disposed in the press device.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: KOMATSU INDUSTRIES CORPORATIONInventors: Makoto Ishihara, Ikuhiro Hirotani, Hidekazu Tokunaga
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Patent number: 10507507Abstract: In order to widen the field of application of a stretcher-leveller having a minimum nominal width, at least one gripping head of the stretcher-leveller is connected to an adapter having clamping elements for clamping a plate to be stretched, the adapter having a nominal width that is smaller than the minimum nominal width of the stretcher-leveller, and a plate being stretched is connected to the gripping head via the adapter clamping elements and the adapter, before starting the stretching process.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: SMS group GmbHInventors: Nikolaus Hoppenkamps, Gerd Jung, Guenter Panzer, Karsten Busch, Guenter Halleck
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Patent number: 10385441Abstract: A mask frame assembly and a manufacturing method of the same are provided. The mask frame assembly includes a frame unit having a plurality of frames to form an opening, a deposition mask extended in a first direction and fixed to the frame unit, and a gap adjusting unit installed between one frame and another frame disposed adjacent to the one frame among the plurality of frames, wherein the gap adjusting unit adjusts a distance between the one frame and the another frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoonchan Oh, Jongho Yang, Youngsun Cho, Jaemin Hong
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Patent number: 9629424Abstract: A finding used with dangle jewelry with a decorative jewel element configured to attach to a flesh tunnel or an orifice formed in an earlobe. The finding includes a single, thin rigid wire with two longitudinally aligned posts formed on opposite ends configured for insertion into the opposite ends of the flesh tunnel or orifice. The sections of the wire adjacent to the posts form earlobe extending sections that extend downward over the opposite surfaces of the earlobe. Formed below the earlobe extending sections is a compression ring with two side elements on opposite sides of the finding's longitudinal axis. Each side element is integral with the earlobe extending section located on the opposite side of the earlobe. When the two side elements are forced inward the two posts located are forced apart allowing the finding to be easily attached or detached from the flesh tunnel or orifice.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Inventors: Tristan A Seely, Edward G. Sencenbaugh
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Patent number: 9457394Abstract: An apparatus and method for upsetting an end of a hollow workpiece to increase the wall thickness of that end is taught. A mandrel is inserted into the workpiece within a clamp which holds the workpiece. A die is urged into contact with the end of the workpiece to compress the end, decreasing its length and increasing the wall thickness of the end while the mandrel and clamp prevent deformation of the workpiece held in the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventor: William K. Comer
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Patent number: 9327334Abstract: A stretching device has a housing, a first clamping member attached to a first portion of the housing, a second clamping member attached to a second portion of the housing, a first insert mounted to the first clamping member, and a second insert mounted to the second clamping member. The first insert and the second insert protect workpieces to be clamped and gripped therebetween. The inserts are releasably mounted to gripping surfaces of the clamping members.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Butech BlissInventors: John R. Buta, Ryan Craig Mercer
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Patent number: 9089887Abstract: An improved method for processing coiled metal sheet is provided, wherein a line threading device is inserted between the metal sheet and the process line surface at the leading edge of the metal sheet. The device is rigid and adapted to glide easily along the process line surface when propelled in a forward direction. The device has an upper surface that includes a plurality of grooves that run perpendicular to the forward direction, and the leading edge of the sheet, when it curves toward the process line surface, does not come into contact with a recess of the process line surface, but instead becomes lodged in a groove of the device, which guides the sheet along the process line surface, and does not impede forward progress.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Samuel Steel Pickling CompanyInventors: Rick Lee Snyder, Richard David Ganiere, Victor DeVon Gardener, George Wayne Hartman, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150096345Abstract: A movable head (1, 1a) for a stretching machine for sheets or plates or the like comprises: —a first front portion (2, 2a) including a plurality of sheet segments (3, 3a) parallel to one another and shaped so as to define a clamping mouth (18) and a stretching plane (XY) orthogonal to the sheet segments (3, 3a), wherein the mouth (18) comprises clamping means to lock a sheet (P) or plate or the like, so that a traction force (F) parallel to the stretching plane (XY) is applicable thereto,—a second rear portion (4, 4a) firmly connected to the first front portion (2, 2a) so as to stiffen the first front portion (2, 2a),—a plurality of stiffening tie-rods (20), arranged parallel to the stretching plane (XY) for connecting the first and the second portions (2, 4; 2a, 4a) to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Luca Sandrin, Magdalena Dropalla, Alessio Cattarossi, Daniel Polito, Traian Maier
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Patent number: 8899093Abstract: A drawing support for a metal sheet drawing machine. In one implementation the drawing support is constructed of a plurality of plates positioned in series one after the other and coupled together so that at least a portion of the plurality of plates are compressed one against the other. In one implementation each of the plurality of plates has a window through which metal sheet to be drawn may pass, and a holder for holding the metal sheet when it is drawn.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Fagor, S. CoopInventors: Eduardo Beltrán de Nanclares Echezarreta, David Chico García, Oscar González Mora, Daniel García Cheuca
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Patent number: 8833126Abstract: A stretching device has a housing; a first clamping member attached to a first portion of the housing; a second clamping member attached to a second portion of the housing; wherein the first clamping member has a movable pivot member such that an angle of contact between the first clamping member and a workpiece to be gripped remains constant regardless of the workpiece's thickness. A stretcher assembly has a first stretcher having a first housing having a first clamping member and a second clamping member opposed to each other; and a second stretcher having a second housing having a third clamping member and a fourth clamping member opposed to each other; and a workpiece support member interposed between the first stretcher and the second stretcher, wherein the first and third clamping members each includes a movable pivot joint such that an angle of contact of the first and third members with a workpiece to be gripped remains constant regardless of a thickness of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Inventor: John R. Buta
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Publication number: 20140096582Abstract: A stretching device has a housing, a first clamping member attached to a first portion of the housing, a second clamping member attached to a second portion of the housing, a first insert mounted to the first clamping member, and a second insert mounted to the second clamping member. The first insert and the second insert protect workpieces to be clamped and gripped therebetween. The inserts are releasably mounted to gripping surfaces of the clamping members.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Butech BlissInventors: John R. Buta, Ryan Craig Mercer
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Patent number: 8661869Abstract: A stretch-forming apparatus includes a main frame which carries a die enclosure between jaw assemblies. The die enclosure includes radiant heaters for supplying heat to a workpiece being stretch-formed against the die.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Cyril Bath CompanyInventors: Larry Alexander Polen, Thomas Sandy Houston, John E. Owens, Jr.
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Patent number: 8601846Abstract: A fixed support for a metal sheet drawing machine. In one implementation the fixed support includes a window through which metal sheet to be drawn passes, and a holder which holds the metal sheet within the window as the metal sheet is drawn. The fixed support is stationary in relation to the drawing machine and includes a suspending structure that maintains a base of the fixed support a distance from any other surfaces during the sheet drawing process.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Fagor, S. CoopInventors: Eduardo Beltrán de Nanclares Echezarreta, David Chico García, Oscar González Mora, Daniel García Chueca
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Patent number: 8490454Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a metal sheet. In one implementation the apparatus includes a fixed head having a first window through which the metal sheet to be drawn may pass and a first holder for holding a first portion of the metal sheet within the first window during a drawing process. The apparatus also includes a moving head that is moveable relative to the fixed head. The moving head has a second window through which the metal sheet to be drawn may pass and a second holder for holding a second portion of the metal sheet within the second window during a drawing process. A support assembly is attached at one end to the fixed head and extends longitudinally through the second window of the moving head. The support assembly forms a part of an actuator assembly that is operable to situate the moving head in different and fixed longitudinal positions relative to the fixed head prior to a drawing process.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Inventors: Eduardo Beltrán de Nanclares Echezarreta, David Chico García, Oscar González Mora, Daniel García Chueca
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Publication number: 20130008221Abstract: A stretch forming apparatus comprises a pair of jaws for pinching both ends of a work, a die placed between the pair of jaws so as to be in contact with the work, a plurality of control axis for change in positions and postures of the jaws and the die, a rotation center line setting unit for making an operator set rotation center lines for the jaws that are for partial stretch of the work by rotation of the jaws, an operation input unit for rotating the jaws by manual operation about the rotation center lines, and a control unit for synchronously controlling the plurality of control axis so that the jaws rotate in accordance with the manual operation by the operator on the operation input unit about the rotation center lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicants: KAWASAKI HYDROMECHANICS CORPORATION, KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Fumihiro HONDA, Atsushi HIRAOKA, Hiroyuki OUJI, Naoyuki KIMURA, Yasushi MATSUDA
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Patent number: 8336358Abstract: A wire stretching device for applying a drag force onto a wire wound around an object is provided. The wire stretching device comprises a primary platform, a first sub-platform, a second sub-platform and a driving device. The primary platform comprises a plate, a fixed stick and a track, wherein the fixed stick and the track are disposed on a surface of the plate, and the fixed stick has a first fixing device for fixing a first end of the wire. The object is fixed on a first stage of the first sub-platform, and a second fixing device is disposed on a second stage of the second sub-platform for fixing the second end of the wire. The second sub-platform is moved by the driving device for adjusting the tension of the wire. The first sub-platform is passively moved along the track corresponding to the tension of the wire.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.Inventors: Yao-Chou Tsai, Kai-Cheng Chuang, Sung-Hui Huang, Tzu-Ming Wang
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Patent number: 8256259Abstract: A coil forming method, a coil forming die assembly and a coil manufactured by the coil forming method are disclosed. The coil forming method comprises conducting preliminary forming work on a coil under a linear state before conducting bending work on the coil. The preliminary forming work including conducting compression work on the coil under the linear state to compress the coil in a region covering a rounded corner portion formed when bending work is conducted to decrease a dimension of the coil in a widthwise direction. The dimension of the coil is decreased in the widthwise direction by the nearly same dimension as that of the coil bulged in the widthwise direction when bending work is conducted in the absence of the preliminary forming work. This prevents the occurrence of bulging of the coil during bending work with an increase in lamination factor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Masahiro Takada
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Patent number: 8234900Abstract: A corrugated metal sheet member fabrication system in which the roller ramming unit includes a flange-forming roller set located on the machine base near the rear side for ramming a part of a second lateral corrugated portion of each corrugated metal sheet member processed by a roller ramming unit opposite to a first lateral corrugated portion of the respective corrugated metal sheet member into an inwardly protruding bottom flange, a flange cutting tool located on the machine base behind the flange-forming roller set for cutting the inwardly protruding bottom flange subject to the desired length and shape, a stamping mold located on the machine base between the flange cutting tool and the cut-off unit for stamping the first lateral corrugated portion of each corrugated metal sheet member into a transversely curved profile having a longitudinal groove and simultaneously stamping each corrugated metal sheet member into a stepped configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventor: Tsai-Shen Wang
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Patent number: 8037730Abstract: A stretch-forming apparatus includes a main frame which carries a die enclosure between jaw assemblies. An insulated die is mounted in the enclosure. A method of forming a component includes placing a workpiece in the enclosure, heating the workpiece to a working temperature using electrical resistance heating, and then stretching the workpiece against the die. The method is particularly useful for titanium workpieces.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Cyril Bath CompanyInventors: Larry Alexander Polen, Harold John Weber, Thomas Sandy Houston
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Patent number: 7934300Abstract: A method for producing expanded metal profiles, consisting of subjecting a metal strip of width less than the development of the profile to be produced to the following operations: —forming longitudinal slits in at least that longitudinal band which is to form the central web of the profile, —bending the edges of the slits, —profiling said strip, —transversely stretching that band containing the slits, —pressing areas of said central web in correspondence with said stretched band to displace them external to the plane of said web, characterised by subjecting the bent edges to drawing to obtain radiused edging having the tangent to the free edge forming an angle not less than 90° to the surface of the strip.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Dallan S.p.A.Inventor: Sergio Dallan
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Patent number: 7669452Abstract: A stretch-forming apparatus includes a main frame which carries a die enclosure between jaw assemblies. An insulated die is mounted in the enclosure. A method of forming a component includes placing a workpiece in the enclosure, heating the workpiece to a working temperature using electrical resistance heating, and then stretching the workpiece against the die. The method is particularly useful for titanium workpieces.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Cyril Bath CompanyInventors: Larry Alexander Polen, Harold John Weber, Thomas Sandy Houston
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Patent number: 7669334Abstract: Disclosed is a system for forming a blade-section including a transporting frame, at least one transporting support removeably associated with the transporting frame, and a blade-section forming structure receptive of the transporting frame and the at least one transporting support.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jan Willem Bakhuis, Andrew John Billen, Sjef van Breugel, Jamie Thomas Livingston
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Publication number: 20090308127Abstract: A stretching device has a housing; a first clamping member attached to a first portion of the housing; a second clamping member attached to a second portion of the housing; wherein the first clamping member has a movable pivot member such that an angle of contact between the first clamping member and a workpiece to be gripped remains constant regardless of the workpiece's thickness. A stretcher assembly has a first stretcher having a first housing having a first clamping member and a second clamping member opposed to each other; and a second stretcher having a second housing having a third clamping member and a fourth clamping member opposed to each other; and a workpiece support member interposed between the first stretcher and the second stretcher, wherein the first and third clamping members each includes a movable pivot joint such that an angle of contact of the first and third members with a workpiece to be gripped remains constant regardless of a thickness of the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventor: John R. Buta
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Patent number: 7607330Abstract: Machine for drawing metal sheets, which comprises a static support (3) and a moving support (4) that hold a metal sheet (2) during a process of drawing said metal sheet (2), and driving means (5) that cause a longitudinal movement of said moving support (4) in relation to said static support (3) during said process, a section (S) of said metal sheet (2) comprised between said supports (3, 4) being drew and tensioned. Said machine (1) also comprises a third support (6) that remains static during the drawing process and which is disposed between the static support (3) and the moving support (4), and the driving means (5) cooperate with said third support (6) in order to move said moving support (4) longitudinally during said drawing process.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Fagor, S. CoopInventors: Elixabete Casal, Unai Argarate, Oscar Gonzalez, Alvaro Martinez
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Patent number: 7568371Abstract: A stretch-forming machine of the type wherein a pair of opposed curving jaw assemblies grip opposite end edge portions of a metal sheet for initially stretching the metal sheet into a yield state and forming the metal sheet into a predetermined curved configuration. Each jaw assembly includes a jaw having an array of adjacent grippers or groups of grippers moveable relative to each other to define a part of the curve of the jaw and adapted to extend along one side edge of the metal sheet from adjacent a first corner to adjacent a second corner of the sheet, a moveable yoke connected to the jaw, a pivot connecting the yoke to a beam way, and at least one actuator connected to the yoke for pivoting the jaw about the pivot to urge the grippers at opposing ends of the gripper array away from the pivot while the grippers adjacent a centerline of the gripper array remain approximately stationary.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Cyril Bath CompanyInventors: Larry Alexander Polen, Jonathan Todd Harkey
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Patent number: 7562550Abstract: A cable bulbing apparatus having a frame (1) and securing means (3) for holding at least a portion of a cable bolt (4) with respect to the frame (1). The apparatus also includes a bulbing assembly (5) which is releasably engagable with the cable bolt (4). The assembly (5) is movable relative to the frame (1) to enable one or more bulbs to be formed along the cable bolt length.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Jennmar CorporationInventor: Anthony Paul Steains
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Patent number: 7534329Abstract: A frame for holding sheet material taut comprises a support as well as two legs which extend essentially parallel to one another transversely from the support, on which legs fixing elements are provided for fixing, in each case, one of the opposing edges of a piece of sheet material thereto. At least one of the legs can be moved along the support towards and away from the other leg. Furthermore compensation elements are provided for compensating for stretch and/or shrinkage of the piece of sheet material fixed between the legs.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Stork Fokker AESP B.V.Inventor: Pieter Maarten Van Gent
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Publication number: 20080011039Abstract: A core tool comprises a pair of partial circles made from suitable material, such as cold rolled steel, with corresponding adjusting means. The adjusting means may be two threaded screws with a center nut, wherein one of the threads is a left hand thread, and the other is a right hand thread. A reversible ratchet or wrench can be used to open and close the circles. Alternatively, the adjusting means could be an air or hydraulic system capable of opening and closing the circle portions. Each pair of partial circles forms a circular diameter that will fit inside a standard core, or multiple core sizes. The core tool, formed of the pair of half circles and the tightening and expanding means, is insertable into a damaged core to reshape the core into its intended circular dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventors: Jack E. Carle, John W. Pifer
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Patent number: 7290425Abstract: A quick change gripping apparatus for gripping a workpiece having a profile. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end. The cylindrical housing also includes an inner feature having a tapered wall. The housing also has a bottom section and a clam shell section that is hingedly connected to the bottom section. The quick change gripping apparatus also includes a first ring and a second ring, each disposed around the cylindrical housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Craig E. Taylor
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Publication number: 20070163323Abstract: A stretch-forming machine of the type wherein a pair of opposed curving jaw assemblies grip opposite end edge portions of a metal sheet for initially stretching the metal sheet into a yield state and forming the metal sheet into a predetermined curved configuration. Each jaw assembly includes a jaw having an array of adjacent grippers or groups of grippers moveable relative to each other to define a part of the curve of the jaw and adapted to extend along one side edge of the metal sheet from adjacent a first corner to adjacent a second corner of the sheet, a moveable yoke connected to the jaw, a pivot connecting the yoke to a beam way, and at least one actuator connected to the yoke for pivoting the jaw about the pivot to urge the grippers at opposing ends of the gripper array away from the pivot while the grippers adjacent a centerline of the gripper array remain approximately stationary.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: CYRIL BATH COMPANYInventors: Larry Alexander Polen, Jonathan Todd Harkey
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Method of creating integral spacers in reinforcing bars employed in the fabrication of concrete pipe
Patent number: 7082802Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for selectively producing a deformation in a reinforcing frame employed in the fabrication of concrete pipes or other similar construction materials. The deformation maintains the frame in the proper predetermined location inside the concrete form during fabrication to thus produce a concrete pipe with optimum structural properties.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Oldcastle Precast, Inc.Inventor: Allen J. Reed -
Patent number: 7076987Abstract: A method of producing a tubular device is provided. The method comprises providing a tubular stock having an axial passage, heating the tubular stock at a first heating location to form a softened section, the softened section separating a workpiece portion of the tubular stock from a remaining portion of the tubular stock, and drawing the workpiece portion away from the remaining portion to elongate the softened section and separate the workpiece portion from the remaining portion to form the tubular device. The drawing is performed at a rate such that the tubular device has an axial passage having a substantially uniform inside diameter, and an end of the tubular device formed from the elongated softened section is tapered.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Frank E. Martin, M. Ishaq Haider, Marcelino Munoz
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Patent number: 7069761Abstract: A quick change gripping apparatus for gripping a workpiece having a profile. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end. The cylindrical housing also includes an inner feature having a tapered wall. The housing also has a bottom section and a clam shell section that is hingedly connected to the bottom section. The quick change gripping apparatus also includes a first ring and a second ring, each disposed around the cylindrical housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Craig E. Taylor
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Patent number: 6860132Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Werner Butscher, Friedrich Riemeier, Rüdger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Rohit Sachdeva
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Publication number: 20040187541Abstract: A mold assembly includes a stationary and a movable mold devices each having a mold cavity formed in an upper mold piece and a lower mold piece, a tubular member may be clamped between the upper and the lower mold pieces of the stationary and the movable mold devices respectively. A portion of the tubular member that is disposed between the stationary mold device and the movable mold device may be squeezed and deformed and received within the mold cavities of the upper and the lower mold pieces when the movable mold device is moved toward the stationary mold device, in order to form one or more bulges on the tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventor: Guo Jen Huang
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Patent number: 6772617Abstract: A stretch-forming press for stamping continuously fed sheet metal includes a ram, a base member, and a feed mechanism configured to advance a strip of sheet metal through the stretch-forming press. A forming station has a die configured to form a desired pattern in the strip of sheet metal. A leveling station has a pair of opposed jaws slidably received in corresponding recesses of the stretch-forming press, with the jaws oriented at an angle with respect to a direction of travel for the strip of sheet metal as it passes through the leveling station.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: GenCell CorporationInventor: Jeffrey Peter Allen
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Patent number: 6718809Abstract: This method refers to a method by which the physical and mechanical properties intrinsic to a fine-grain structure may be formed in metal billets using pressure treatment. The method is designed to treat rods, bars and other particularly long billets. This method is designed to lower the cost of deformational treatment for long rods and large diameter billets and creates a pre-specified microstructure, including micro-crystal structure, and specific physical and mechanical properties. This may be achieved using various treatment techniques, one of which includes the deformation of at least a part of the billet through reduction of the billets cross-section. In this method, a long rod shaped billet is used. Reduction of the cross-section is achieved using tools that permit movement along and across the billet's axis as well as being rolled about its surface, for example, a roller. In this case at least one support stand is employed for correct placement of the billet.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Farid Zainullaevich Utyashev, Oscar Akramovich Kaibyshev, Oleg Rayazovich Valiakhmetov
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Patent number: 6701766Abstract: A metal-stretching grip head has a row of parallel upper plates wholly to one side of a plane and having front ends and rear ends and a row of parallel lower plates wholly to an opposite side of the plane and having front ends forming at the plane with the front ends of the upper plates a mouth slot extending along the plane and open forwardly on the plane. The lower plates also have rear ends juxtaposed across the plane with the upper-plate rear ends. A one-piece C-section metal bar is snugly received in the mouth slot. Rigid structure separate from the plates and bar fixes the plates relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: SMS Meer GmbHInventors: Günter Halleck, Andreas Scholzen, Wilfried Just
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Patent number: 6688147Abstract: A panel, formed from a perforated face (102), is respectively concavely and convexly curved by seriatim stretching or contracting its flanges (104a, b; 156a, b). Such stretching and contracting is produced by placing the opposed flanges within jaw halves (110a, b; 166a, b) of a jaw mechanism (110, 166), by seriatim positioning of the paired flanges between their respective jaw halves, and by moving the jaw halves away from or towards one another. Jaw movement towards one another effects a stretching function. Jaw movement towards one another effects a shrinking function. Computerization enables the panel curving to be precisely controlled. The curved panel, as it exits from the panel curving machine (126, 148) is supported on rollers (146) or, more precisely, by a scissor apparatus (176). The scissors apparatus includes roller sets (242, 244, 246) which are positionable, relative to one another, to conform the roller sets to the curvature of the exiting panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Ceilings Plus, Inc.Inventors: Charles M. Gordon, Bruce R. Harkness, Daniel J. Mellough, Gregory Stewart, Vincent A. Burokas
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Patent number: 6679091Abstract: A stretch bending device that can conduct accurate bending without using heavy material. A tension application mechanism 62 comprises first and second drive sources for movably supporting both ends of a guide member 12 with respect to a pair of arm members 28, 30 and moving the guide member 12 along the arm members 28, 30. Between the arm members 28, 30, a work piece 6 is arranged. There are tension sensor 98 for detecting tension applied to the work piece 6 and position sensors for detecting positions of the guide member 12. Torque of the first drive source is controlled based on the tension detected by the tension sensor 98, and the second drive force is controlled based on the positions detected by the position sensors.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha OptonInventors: Takayuki Yamada, Teruaki Yogo
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Patent number: 6601426Abstract: A processing apparatus is provided which includes a stretch-forming apparatus and a beam processing unit or apparatus, which can be controlled by a common control unit. The beam processing unit can be a laser beam processing unit, which permits a sheet metal piece to be subjected to an additional laser processing step before, during and/or after a stretch-forming process.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Schuler Held Lasertechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Konrad Wegener
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Publication number: 20030121304Abstract: A stretching machine (21) for the production of discontinuously stretched wire (31) comprises a rolltype straightening mill (22), a first roll-type advancing unit (23), a first clamping device (24), which is capable of being moved on a hydraulic linear booster (25), and a second clamping device (28), to which a cutting device (29) is attached. A pushed-in rolled wire (31) to be stretched is prestraightened by the roll-type straightening mill (22) and is advanced to the second clamping device (28) by the first rolltype advancing unit (23). Subsequently, the wire (31) is held by the two clamping devices (24 and 28), the first clamping device (24) being moved opposite to the push-in direction by the amount of a degree of stretching and correspondingly cold-forming the rolled wire. By means of the apparatus, a favourable yield-point ratio is achieved, the strain properties being maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Carsten Schauhoff, Rene Aschwanden
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Patent number: 6568233Abstract: Method and apparatus for diametrically expanding a desired part of a metal shaft which can be a rod or a pipe, wherein the apparatus includes a driving rotary section (4) and a driven rotary section (6) arranged at a predetermined distance (D), each of the rotary sections (4) and (6) including a holder for holding a work, a pressing device (8) for pressing the work held by the holders along the length of the apparatus, and a biasing device (7) for declining the axis of the work, so that the work held by the holders at the distance (D) is rotated around its axis, and one of the holders is forced by the pressing device toward the other to carry out the diametral expansion, and then the work is bent back and straightened up.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Iura Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadashi Iura, Keiji Yamamoto, Kazuki Mori
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Patent number: 6508096Abstract: A draw stretch process is provided for shaping a workpiece initially comprising an elongated metal sheet having a pair of spaced opposite ends. The process involves placing the metal sheet in a metal forming position in a draw stretch forming machine between a bulldozer having a female forming surface and a die having a male forming surface. The sheet is positioned such that the ends thereof project laterally outwardly beyond the forming surfaces. The forming surfaces are complemental and configured to draw the metal sheet into a predetermined shape. The bulldozer is moveable relatively toward the die from a draw initiating position where it is adjacent the metal sheet to a fully closed metal sheet shaping position. The draw initiating position and the fully closed position are spaced apart a predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Versaform Corp.Inventor: Gary Carlile
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Patent number: 6460391Abstract: A clamping assembly for a machine that levels sheet metal by stretching the metal beyond its elastic limit includes two jaws which have generally planar gripping surfaces. When the jaws are forced together, the gripping surfaces on them bear against the sheet metal with enough frictional contact to enable a stretching force to be applied to the sheet metal. One of the jaws includes a bearing block and a gripping pad located along the bearing block, with the gripping surface for that jaw being on the pad. A shim that is narrower than the pad lies between the pad and the bearing block. When the pad is forced against the sheet metal, the shim behind that pad causes the pad to assume a slight contour that imparts convexity to its gripping surface. This concentrates the gripping force at the centers of the gripping surfaces on the two jaws, so that perceptible indentations do not develop in the strip at the side edges of the gripping surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Red Bud Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kalin Liefer, Elroy Schoenbeck
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Patent number: 6439022Abstract: A rolling apparatus is disclosed which forms a thin walled portion on part of a steel strip by allowing the steel strip to intervene between a pair of upper and lower rolling rolls, in which the upper rolling roll is vertically movable. The steel strip which has been pressed between a pair of upper and lower rolling rolls is repeatedly moved on a traveling table to upstream side and downstream side alternately, thereby forming the thin walled portion having a width corresponding to the movement quantity. In forming the thin walled portion, the steel strip is grasped on both upstream side and downstream side with a plurality of clamping means and is subjected to a tension due to tension imparting means, thereby facilitating formation of the thin walled portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Teruo Kamada, Takashi Tsuchiya, Hideo Yazaki
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Publication number: 20020104360Abstract: A clamping assembly for a machine that levels sheet metal by stretching the metal beyond its elastic limit includes two jaws which have generally planar gripping surfaces. When the jaws are forced together, the gripping surfaces on them bear against the sheet metal with enough frictional contact to enable a stretching force to be applied to the sheet metal. One of the jaws includes a bearing block and a gripping pad located along the bearing block, with the gripping surface for that jaw being on the pad. A shim that is narrower than the pad lies between the pad and the bearing block. When the pad is forced against the sheet metal, the shim behind that pad causes the pad to assume a slight contour that imparts convexity to its gripping surface. This concentrates the gripping force at the centers of the gripping surfaces on the two jaws, so that perceptible indentations do not develop in the strip at the side edges of the gripping surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Applicant: Red Bud Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kalin Liefer, Elroy Schoenbeck